Take a look at the new 5th Generation 4.3 coming from GM! Potential engine swap?
 

Here in Detroit, at their presentation at the North American International Auto Show last month, GM presented the 5th generation 4.3L. The specs are amazing. I copied this part from another forum.

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1391586778

DETROIT – When the all-new 2014 GMC Sierra full-size pickup arrives this summer, its standard 4.3L EcoTec V-6 it will offer the most torque of any standard V-6 in the segment – 305 lb-ft (413 Nm).

Buyers will choose from three new, advanced EcoTec3 engines – a 5.3L available at launch, followed by the 4.3L and 6.2L versions available later this year. All are designed specifically for the high trailering and hauling demands unique to truck buyers.

Torque is the turning force that generates off-the-line acceleration and confident trailering performance. Sierras equipped with the 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 will have trailering ratings up to 7,200 pounds (3,266 kg) for a regular cab, short bed, four-wheel-drive model – 500 pounds more than the most capable Ford F-150 3.7L and 700 pounds more than a Ram 1500 3.6L. Sierra’s standard V-6 produces an SAE-certified 285 horsepower (212 kW) and is matched with a proven, efficient six-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates will be released later.

Like Sierra’s optional 5.3L and 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 engines, the new V-6 features three state-of-the-art technologies – direct injection, active fuel management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing – that have been proven and perfected through 6 million hours of computational analysis by engineers studying the combustion process. In all, 10 million CPU hours were spent refining and making the most of the Sierra’s EcoTec3 engines.

“This is technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every EcoTec3 engines, for every customer,” said Jordan Lee, GM Powertrain chief engineer. “It is a standard feature, so our drivers get our best and most sophisticated technology regardless of trim level.”

Although they share only a handful of parts with previous Sierra engines, the new EcoTec3 V-6 builds on experience gained from millions of trucks and billions of real-world customer miles resulting from a half-century of leadership in V-6 engine development. In 1960, GMC debuted the first V-6 pickup truck ever and offered it exclusively through most of the ’60s.

That engine, offered in various displacements starting at 5.0L, was designed with aluminum pistons, improved cooling and a stout crankshaft and bearings designed for unprecedented durability.

“The family of V-6 engines introduced in 1960 was designed to last, and I’ve heard of some owners going more than 450,000 miles on the original engine,” said Donald Meyer, GMC truck historian. “They had really high torque and pulled loads well. GMC engineers know how to build durable, reliable engines that never quit.”

Like the 2014 engine, the 4.3L V-6 introduced as standard equipment for GMC half-ton pickups in 1985 used geometry and engineering from the brand’s proven Small Block V-8. As with today’s V-6, engineers studied the combustion chamber, developing “Vortec” technology that swirled the air and fuel inside the engine to create a more homogenous mix, improving power and efficiency. That engine was the basis for new generations of engines through the 2013 model year.

2014 Sierra models with the 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 go on sale later this year with a suggested starting price of $25,085, including a destination charge of $995 but excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees.


What do you guys think? This could be a great swap for us. In a few months, brand new LV3s will start showing up in junk yards after people smash their brand new trucks. The swap would improve gas mileage, torque, and horsepower for us among other things. Anyone interested? What would be involved in the swap? Obviously computer work, and a few things would need to be relocated. Would the axles, transmission, and transfer case be good to go, or would those need to be swapped too? I've been itching to get a new car because my Jimmy keeps breaking and it leaks all over the driveway. It's mileage is bad, and it's power is less-than-stellar. If I could do this swap in the next 12 months, it might cure my car problems and keep me from wanting to buy a different one! Let me know what you all think!

That would be a time/labor intensive engine swap that would require a lot of money.

I would definitely put one in the Shaver.... if I had the know how! They're paired with a 6 spd Auto, so unless you plan on throwing one of those in there too I feel like you'd have to pay a really pretty penny to have a computer flashing. Then there's the problem if the 4L60E could handle it's fresh outta the pen cousin. And, IMO the belt tensioner looks to be in the worst spot I've ever seen.

Now that's a great swap option.

this is doable though right? I saw a post on s10 forums of a guy who put a 5.3 w/trans in his blazer and spent $1500 after was said and done, including the cost of the used engine/transmission. I would do that too. That guy's engine bay is crammed now though. I live in metro Detroit, so most everyone drives a big-three car. I would be interested in getting the drive-train out of one of these new trucks after someone smashes/totals their new baby. I've never rebuilt, pulled, or installed an engine or transmission though, so I wouldn't even know where to start once I pulled the 4.3. I guess what I want to know is how much (before the cost of the engine and transmission) the swap would cost?

you would have to pull engine tranny and computer then try to (after installing everything)see if u could figure out how to wire the new to the old not to mention mounting and such....